I found a great article in The Chicago Tribune about Going Back to Homeschool. I was rather pleasantly surprised. With all of the negative opinions you normally read about in the newspapers, this is quite encouraging.

 
I did realize that I spent more than that per year when the girls took dance classes... for classes, outfits, shoes, gas to drive to and from, convience foods for sack lunches, costumes, tickets, t-shirts, portraits and all kinds of other recital expenses! Easily I spent that much on Kaitlyn even with the discount she got for being a teaching assistant for her little sister's class!

"We don't really do back-to-school because we never stopped learning," said 16-year-old Katrina Atkin of Evanston, who has followed an alternative path since kindergarten.

I was happy to hear that homeschooling is going mainstream, therefore, many homeschoolers no longer have to defend their choice. I hadn't thought about that, because, well, for years, we *did* have to defend the choice!

I could totally relate to the fact that "nailing down an exact (starting) date (from homeschoolers) can be a challenge." One of the groups has a "Not-Back-To-School Picnic" in August, and then most of them start in September, stating, "It is no earlier than the old-fashioned day-after-Labor-Day," Olson said. "In August, it's just too hot." That's when we start. - Or, we will be starting!  hehe

One point I loved was about Jennifer James, 32, of Boone, N.C.  She decided to homeschool her children after "watching a home-schooled student reach the final rounds of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. That, along with the feeling that many school systems were failing black children..."  So, as an independent-thinking mom who wants the best for her children, what did she do when she couldn't find like-minded folks? She co-founded the National African-American Homeschoolers Alliance (NAAHA) in 2003, which now has 3,500 members. That spoke volumes of encouragement to me about homeschool parents.

"...while most families in August hit the malls with a vengeance -- spending about $563 on back-to-school merchandise, according to the National Retail Federation -- home-schoolers have less need for the latest fashions."

Ha! Exactly! I had to chuckle at that final point!

Occasionally I find positive articles that spur homeschoolers on like this one does. Usually you read all the reasons *not* to send your children off to public school. This one actually gives you wonderful reasons and encouragement why you want to Keep Them Home Where They Belong!!

Blessings! -Jacque
Seeking Rest in the Ancient Paths Homeschool
and Seeking Rest on the Homestead, too!

Comments

 Aug. 31, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by quietcajun

When I was struggling whether or not to sign Kaitlyn up for Christian Liberty Academy for high school a friend of mine told me she would spend that amount ($545 per year per child) on back-to-school supplies! What? That's a LOT!

Aug. 31, 2007 - OH!!

Posted by nancysnook

Congratulations on the little girlie...I'm sure she'll be cherished and know how blessed she is to have you all and for you all to have her.

Nancy

Aug. 31, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by TNMOMTOMANYBLESSINGS

So how is Gena doing? I would love to read an update.
Blessings,
Maria

Sep. 4, 2007 - Great post...

Posted by SuperAngel

It is encouraging to hear that homeschooling is a main stream thing now... Hopefully they will get better homeschooling laws for certain states now.
Thanks for keeping me Home Where I Belong!!
Love,
Amanda

- Home Where They Belong